Things to do in Sydney this weekend
Rather than hiding out in a dark, air conditioned room, take charge of the sweltering weekend with these joyful leisure time activities. There are classy outdoor adventures to be had at So French So Chic, or more wild fun in the sun on the giant inflatable obstacle course at Tuff Nutterz.
But if you do want a little down time, we’ll let you take it easy while you slowly explore the most splendid art to see this month, or chill out and catch up on the best theatre in Sydney right now.
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Find the best things to do this weekend
Nag Nag Nag
Nag Nag Nag brings together artists who represent the idiosyncratic shadows of genres. The anti-arena spectacular taking over the Marrickville Golf Club and the Marrickville Bowling Club for two days of cheap schooners and the kind of lock-out defying bands who play live gigs every week in alternative venues.
Women's March Sydney
This year’s march will begin in Hyde Park at 11.30am, where local ambassadors for the #WomensWave will call attention to Australia’s national crisis of gender-based violence. Thousands of supporters are expected to join the walk through the CBD, which will finish with a fair at Belmore Park from 3pm.
Article 14.1
Melbourne-based artist Phuong Ngo intends to endure starvation, hypothermia and sleep deprivation for Article 14.1. Over ten days, his only objective – apart from staying alive – is to fold as many origami boats as possible, inviting the public to participate while listening to oral recordings of Vietnamese asylum seekers.
Inner West Fiesta
The Inner West Fiesta will spice up Sydney with a full day of performance, dancing, eating and shopping. As well as the social dancefloor, where the crowd can learn everything from salsa to samba and reggaeton steps, there’ll be performances by the school’s competitive dancers, live music and DJ sets.
Social Serve Australian Open Party
Dig out your tennis whites for a civilised afternoon party of tennis and cocktails to celebrate the 2019 Australian Open. Social Serve is the ultimate excuse to combine sweaty sport and Aperol Spritzes in the Sydney sunshine… a recipe for good times and bad tennis.
Demand Action: Pill Testing Saves Lives
Drug reform advocates are holding a rally on Saturday to demand support from the government for pill testing at raves and music festivals. The protest will start at Sydney Town Hall where at least 7,000 people are expected to listen to experts and campaigners for harm minimisation before walking in the direction of Hyde Park.
So Frenchy So Chic
While French wine and garden dining might immediately entice Sydney’s Francophiles to this annual Parisian summer party, the music at this year’s So Frenchy So Chic will really bowl them over. With a completely lady-powered line-up, the festival is supporting France’s recent wave of successful female artists.
Phil Collins
Former Genesis drummer and torch song aficionado Phil Collins is coming to Sydney this weekend, as part of his Not Dead Yet tour. The 67-year-old has been performing for more than 40 years, but that doesn't mean he's slowing down.
Old Stock: A Refugee Love Story
Can you capture the complexity of political refuge, the trauma of pogroms and the fragility of new love and new hope in a difficult – though peaceful – new world in 80 minutes? You can if you are Canadian folk musician Ben Caplan and playwright Hannah Moscovitch in Old Stock: A Refugee Love Story.
Tuff Nutterz
Rampaging through the 270 metres of obstacles in this blow-up fun park is sure to put on smile on your berserker dial. There’s more than 30 different obstacles to conquer Ninja Warrior-style, from massive balance ball jumps, to swinging rails, slides and wall climbs.
Cosecha Pop-Up Restaurant and Bar
A Spanish restaurant is popping up to solve your pre-theatre snacking conundrums at Carriageworks for Sydney Festival. Cosecha will open from noon each day, serving Spanish baguettes, cheese-and-meat boards, tapas-style snacks and paella. Add a jug of sangria to get your evening of art and culture fired up.
Sunset Cinema
North Sydney Oval, with its historic grandstand and views of the lights of North Sydney, is a classy venue for outdoor cinema screenings, and Sunset Cinema will kick off another ten-week season this weekend. Gates open 90 minutes prior to each film commencing and dinner and drinks are available.
Cherry Tree Lane
In honour of Emily Blunt’s magical portrayal of the world’s most beloved umbrella-toting nanny in Mary Poppins Returns, the Grounds is transforming their always delightful venue into a lane of nostalgia inspired by the film. Cherry blossoms, London street lamps and kites flying at the highest height will adorn the lane.
Bastille
The British quartet will be bringing a setlist melding R’n’B and electro-pop to Sydney this Saturday, sharing their new joyful, retro dance track ‘Quarter Past Midnight.’ It’s been four years since they’ve visited an Australian stage, and they’re inviting Aussie songstress Nicole Miller to join them for one night at the Big Top.
Bayala
Bayala translates to ‘speak’ in Darug – one of the first languages spoken in the Sydney area. Sydney Festival will once again host a free series of Indigenous language classes, with the 2018 program chatting across Parramatta, Sydney CBD and Ultimo.
Counting and Cracking
Counting and Cracking is an epic new play that will have its premiere as part of Sydney Festival, bringing together 16 actors from five countries to tell a story of Australia today. It begins with a Sri Lankan meal, and a cricket scoreboard will help you navigate the continents and histories the play traverses.
Silent Disco
Dance like no librarians are watching in this silent disco in the State Library’s newly refurbished (and licensed) galleries. Sydney Festival is putting on a boogie between the bookshelves for all ages over three Friday nights in January.
The Blanc Bar
This glamorous gin and Champagne bar has sprung up at Portside to match the sizzling style of the alt-cabaret Blanc de Blanc Encore and other hot productions coming out of the Opera House this summer. They’re flaunting a Parisian theme, with an appropriately chic dinner and cocktail menu.
Movies by the Boulevard
One of our favourite cheap family nights out is happening once again. Cathy Freeman Park opposite the ANZ Stadium becomes the scene for family movie nights in January as Movies by the Boulevard returns for an 18th bow. Pack your picnic rugs.
Seidler Salon Series
This series of musical performances hosted in, and inspired by, Australian modernist architect Harry Seidler. Hear Seattle cellist Lori Goldston fill the corners of Seidler Penthouse, or submerge yourself in the swimming pool at Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre and let Los Angeles harpist Mary Lattimore’s music wash over you.
The Beehive
The Beehive stitches together documentary footage, recreations and other film shot by Sydney artisit Zanny Begg that investigate the disappearance of journalist and anti-development activist Juanita Nielsen. This unusual story is approached with unique style, where structure is determined by a randomised computer algorithm. There are 1,344 possible ways it could turn out.
Find a classic weekend bun
The best burgers in Sydney
What could be more perfect than finely ground meat placed between two sweet slices of bread with cheese and pickles? Nothing, that's what. Whether you like them stacked to the nines, fat-rich and salty, veggie or vegan, here are the best burgers in Sydney.
